Arise and Abide

This week’s passage is 1 Kings 1:1-31. In every moment of life, we are in a relationship where God speaks, we listen and walk it out. 1 Chronicles 22:6-10. We need to be listening for what God says, remember what God has said, and we need to be faithful in walking it out. Like Adonijah, many people make themselves king over their life.  The faithfulness of God to carry out His good plan.  The importance of God’s discipline in our life. The questions God asks us bring us back into line and refocus us onto who God is. Proverbs 3:12, Hebrews 12:5&6. When we are missing a piece that we are supposed to fulfill, God is faithful to send people to us to spur us on to finish our call. The call be righteous is a high call, one we can only answer in Jesus.

This week’s passage is 2 Samuel 24:1-23. The anger of the Lord burned against Israel, but it does not specifically say what Israel was doing to cause God to become angry. The Census recalls Gideon and how God winnowed down the number of fighting men because our faith for victory is to be in the LORD not in the number of men we have. Joab asking David not to take the census. David does not sin again by making the choice himself but leaves the fate of the nation to God. An offering that costs you nothing is not an offering at all, recalls Cain and Abel. When you let go of what you are holding onto, God can bless and multiply it.

This week’s passage is 2 Samuel 23:1-17. A picture of God’s faithfulness throughout David’s life. His last words talk about David’s Identity and how it changed and grew through his life. The theme of continuing when everyone else abandons the fight. His men do not hesitate to risk their lives for his longing for certain water. In turn David pours out the water as an offering because he valued the blood of his men more than the water. For the men who risked their lives to bring David the water, the pouring out of the water would redirect their attention to God, and away from the human David. God has made an everlasting covenant with all people, arranged, and guaranteed in every detail. Jesus makes it all possible.

This week’s passage is 2 Samuel 21:26-51. God rescues the humble. God’s presence in David’s life did not go unrecognized. Even when things do not seem like they are going well, even when the end looks to be here, God is near. Humility acknowledges that we cannot do things in our own strength, we need others, we need help. In humility we see the strength of God do amazing things. David recognizing that all things are possible through God’s strength. Starting from a place of humility in God, David can accomplish the impossible. Preparing for life is best done in the LORD. God carries us, but we get up and move. The promise that God’s ways are perfect, and all the LORD’s promises prove true.

This week’s passage is 2 Samuel 21:1-25.  As David reflects, he gives all glory to God. His rock and his fortress were always the LORD. Circumstances seem small compared to the mightiness of God. God does not look as people the way people look at people. Sinning isn’t abandoning the LORD when we respond to His correction.  God sees to the heart of a man. David’s position of heart allowed him to continue with God. Now, through Jesus’ sacrifice, God does not see us in our sin, it is covered by His blood. When   He sees us, He sees us in our innocence.

This week’s passage is 2 Samuel 21:1-22.  Even though the rebellions have been stopped, everything was not okay, there was still need for reconciliation. A picture of God’s faithfulness. God cared about the Gibeonites. Deut. 24:16, it wasn’t a normal practice for children to be killed because of the sins of their parents. Deut. 21:22&23 required the quick burial for a criminal. Going along with what people want, and not consulting the Lord, can lead us to a place we never should have gone. The more selfish a person gets, the more they focus on their feelings of discontent and what they think will make them feel better. David’s military career started and ended with battles against giants.

This week’s passage is 2 Samuel 19:41-20:22. David is returning to Jerusalem, but the kingdom is still not united. Sheba’s words were a challenge for leadership over the people. The people wanted a king of their own. Even though Absalom’s rebellion was heartbreaking, it was in his line and the kingdom was united.  Amasa was not able to mobilize the army in the time needed, showing his inability to lead the people on the ground. Amasa was Absalom’s commander. Joab didn’t like the commanding officer being put in charge when they had not always been loyal to David. In being realistic, most people fail to break out of their current perspective. It takes surrender to gain the LORD’s perspective. Sheba’s words were directly against the LORD’s promise to David. God’s hand was all over this situation.  

This week’s passage is 2 Samuel 19:15-40. David’s experiencing a bittersweet victory. The human nature of people seen as stories and attitudes change as David leaves and now as He is coming back. Despite the flip flopping of people David treats them fairly and doesn’t take revenge on anyone, opting for no more death.  David understood that his kingship being given back to him was a gift from God. The challenge to not lash out or demand vengeance when things don’t go your way and instead surrender to God, embracing what He has for you through it. David’s mercy and kindness reflects God’s love and mercy for us. The promise we have in Jesus as our King. The promises of God will prevail, we can trust that God’s word true.

This week’s passage is 2 Samuel 18:19-19:14. God wins our battles, even the ones we don’t get to fight in. David mourns his son who he dearly loved but who was his enemy. How God mourns the loss of His children. Joab coming to David and reminding him of what is still alive. Matthew 5:4 God blesses those who mourn for they will be comforted. When we have loss, it is important to mourn the loss. We are to love God and love people, God uses us in the lives of others, be available.  

This week’s passage is 2 Samuel 16:15-17:23. The picture is painted of David’s heart and faith in the LORD. David didn’t just quit even though his family rebelled against Him. Though God’s purposes prevail, we must put one foot in front of the other, we must keep going. Absalom’s hair and vanity sets up his downfall as his hair traps him in a tree.  The 20,000 men that lost their lives because of this rebellion, the ripple effect of sin and selfishness. Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16. Being critical of leadership often just leads to division, conflict, and rebellion. When we demand our we, rejecting God’s plan and purposes, it does not go well. Joab having enough of Absalom and the whole situation. Giving up their own life was required for reconciliation, but people don’t find that road on their own. In the middle of the mess, remember it’s not the end of the story.